shibboleths and civil wars of speech

www.blcfamily.org 1 [email protected] www.blpaloha.com [email protected]

JULY2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7

JULY 2021 VOL. 11 NO. 7

SERMONS THEMES & READINGS - 2

SCHOOL NEWS - 3

LAND OF OZ - 4

YOUTH & CHILDREN - 4

OUTREACH MINISTRIES - 5

INREACH MINISTRIES - 6

BIBLE STUDIES - 7

NEWS– 8, 9

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY - 10

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES - 11

A Pu b l i c a t i o n o f B e t h l eh em Lu t h er a n C h u r c h - A l o h a , O R

SHIBBOLETHS AND CIVIL WARS OF SPEECH

During World War II, if Dutch soldiers suspected that certain individuals might be German soldiers who were spies in their midst, they would tell them to pronounce the name of the seaside city of Scheveningen. The German speakers would pronounce the first three letters as “sch,” whereas the Dutch (I am told) pronounce it more like “sh.” Or, at least, in Dutch ears, the non-native German pronunciation would be a dead giveaway.

This would be a relatively modern example of a linguistic phenomenon with ancient roots: the Hebrew shibboleth.

During one of the many civil wars in the OT, the Gileadites were battling the Ephraimites (Judges 12). When the Gileadites captured a river crossing, to ascertain whether those who wanted to cross were friends or foes, they told them to say the Hebrew word לת ב .(shibboleth)ש

Hebrew has more than one letter with an “s” sound. 1. The letter ש(shin [sheen]) can be pronounced either “s” or “sh” 2. The letter ס(samekh) also has an "s" sound. “Shibboleth” uses the שand “sibboleth” uses .ס

In its original context, therefore, the shibboleth was a kind of password. It has to do with linguistic ability, period. You either could or could not say it.

Shibboleth is, of course, one of the Hebrew words that has been adopted into English. In the modern use of the word, however, it does not always have to do with ability but choice. A shibboleth can be used to designate certain in-group speech.

I remember years ago, when I was a young man at the seminary, those who were deemed more “conservative” or “liberal” would drop certain words or phrases into conversations to let everyone know which way they leaned. I was no exception to this. The words were a kind of theological shibboleth.

And, of course, the same is true today in theological circles, political circles, social circles, etc. “By their shibboleths you will know them,” we might say.

(Continued on page 2)

Inside This Issue

Bethlehem Mission Statement

“Building the family of God through

relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Written By Chad Bird


JULY2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7

Some of this is unavoidable, to be sure, but much of it also borders on the absurd and ungodly. Precision of speech is good, but charity of interpretation of speech is also good. Just because someone doesn’t express themselves precisely the way we think they should is no cause for us immediately to label them wrong, heretical, ignorant, or misguided.

Let’s have a little charity and ask questions, rather than launch into attack mode, as so grievously seems to happen all too often on social media.

I think—or, at least, I hope—we can all agree that putting the best construction on someone’s words is always a good first step in communicating. We listen. We ask questions. We clarify. We attempt to see things from their perspective.

If, in the end, we disagree, fine. At least we have moved beyond shibboleths to what we and they actually believe.

Lord, give us ears that are quick to hear, mouths that are slow to speak, and keyboards that are even slower to type. Amen.

(Continued from page 1)

SHIBBOLETHS AND CIVIL WARS OF SPEECH

July 4

Sixth Sunday After Pentecost Zacchaeus Psalm 123

Luke 19:1-10

July 11 Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

Mary Magdalene Psalm 85 Luke 8:1-3

John 20:10-18

July 18 Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

Philip Psalm 23

John 1:43-46 John 12:20-29

July 25

Ninth Sunday After Pentecost Peter

Psalm 136:1-8 Luke 5:1-10

Mark 8:27-30 John 21:15-19

JULY Readings

& Themes


JULY2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7

Our enrollment is continuing to look good for next year. We believe it is due to restrictions lifting and people feeling more comfortable. That being said, it looks like we will be in need of a preschool aide for next year. If you, or someone you know, would like a part-time job for next school year please let me know. Being a preschool aide is a great opportunity to show Jesus’s love to His children while preparing them for the rest of their lives, both spiritually and academically. Are you or do you know of someone who is looking for a 3-year-old preschool or 4-year-old PreKindergarten program? Did you know that word of mouth is the best way to advertise? Our preschool still has open spots available in both programs. To qualify students must be 3 or 4 by September 1st and potty trained. For more information or tour please contact Miss Mary or Laiva Hoffman at 503-649-3380, [email protected], or visit the website at blpaloha.com.

PRESCHOOL NEWS

Bethlehem Lutheran Preschool

503.649.3380

blpaloha.com

[email protected]

18865 SW Johnson St

Aloha, OR 97003

Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School

503.359.4853

www.fhls.org

[email protected]

4221 SW Golf Course Rd

Cornelius, OR 97113

School News

The school year at Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School ended on an amazing high this year. It was definitely the strangest school year ever, but for the first time in the entire school year, we were able to join together as an entire school for a final chapel outdoors by our Intermediate building. Students raised their voices in song to our loving Lord, giving thanks for the year that was. We also were thankful to Pastor Warmbier from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Cornelius for leading a decommissioning service of our Intermediate Building which is scheduled to be demolished in July. So what lies ahead for Forest Hills? To fully answer that would take the entire newsletter – let’s just say that God continues to bless us beyond our wildest imaginations as we look to more students, a capital campaign for the new intermediate building, and exciting opportunities on the horizon. God is doing more than we could ask or imagine through the ministry of Forest Hills. We continue to closely monitor the COVID regulations to determine what the new year will look like, but there are great things on the horizon. We will see a few new staff in the coming year. Mrs. Polly Merten, our fourth grade teacher, accepted a new position at another school, and we wish her all of God’s blessings in her transition. We have also developed an interim Principal team that will be serving the school as we continue to call a new Principal. God is good, and we give Him all thanks and praise for the work He is doing at Forest Hills. God’s blessings for a great summer!

FOREST HILLS NEWS

Written By Laiva Hoffman, Director

Written By Mike Schiemann, Principal

mailto:[email protected]

http://blpaloha.com


JULY2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7

Dear Bethlehem, For fourth of July we're looking at Zaccheus, a man who wants to see Jesus. A man Jesus wants to see and so He says- "I’m going to your house today!" And Zaccheus responds with joy!

Would you do the same? Would I do the same?

To be honest my first reaction isn’t joy. My first reaction is well Jesus give me an hour or two to clean first. I want to make things right for you.

I suppose that’s the Martha in me. Mary would just sit at Jesus feet. Jesus is always inviting himself into people’s homes and hearts. It’s not the other way around.

Jesus never says- come over to my place! I’ve got a meal for you. No He says- what you got? Even if it’s not much- He will take it and make that better.

Why? Perhaps because too often what we think what we have isn’t enough. And God says- nope I’m going to use you- even in your sin- even in your weakness- even when you think you’re awful- I’m going to use you. One kid’s lunch of tiny loaves and fish- God used to feed thousands. So of course what you have is enough too.

In the past few weeks we've also looked at the story of Jesus and the woman at the well- it’s a long story and often forgotten is the part at the end- Jesus stays in town and talks with the woman and her friends for two days following. He doesn’t just swoop in and swoop out. No Jesus is a God who stays.

It’s no work to go over to someone else’s house and stay or have a meal. It’s another to have someone stay at your house

GOD’S GOT US

YOUTH & CHILDREN NEWS

Youth & Children

Youth: All youth nights are for those in 6th-12th grade

from 5:30-7:30pm. July 11th and 25th we will meet in person for some fun most likely at church. On July 17th we will be meeting top golf for some fun at 10am! But you must pay and sign up a week in advance by July 11th- just $15 which is a real deal for top golf. We can't add people after that.

Camp Lutherwood: middle schoolers and now high schoolers will be heading to Lutherwood for a fun week of camp with singing, Bible studies, hammock village, creek walks, enjoying the outdoors and more, the first week of August- August 1st through the 6th. We still have room available for more to go. Ask Eric if you’re interested in being a part!

Children: Vacation Bible School will be August 16th -21st this year. It will be Rocky Railway themed and done family style in the community center from 9:30-10:30am each day with take home fun of crafts and gizmos! Look for more details to come as we look to see how God’s power pulls us through! If you have any railroad themes and ideas let Eric know! We will be looking for some volunteers to help with discussions, and registrations. Ask Eric if you'd like to do that!

and cook for them. That’s work- that requires hospitality.

As a Lutheran Christians I think too often I focus more on heaven- going to God’s house and He will just take care of us someday- than in Jesus who wants to be in my house now- in fact He already is.

My house could be cleaned up of all the junk from my previous move nine years ago. Yes I still have boxes. Yet I don’t really care that much about my house. If I stay at someone else’s house to take care of their place while on vacation or even to visit- I’m much more careful and clean with it. Same when someone else comes over to my house. But for some reason when it’s just myself- I get apathetic and don’t care.

I think the same is true of my spiritual life-too often I just don’t care. A lie here, a week without prayer there, 6 months without typing up much of a devotion online here, because it doesn’t really matter- Jesus loves me anyway and it's my mess. You can't tell me what to do. That’s cheap grace. I’m good at cheap grace. Sure God still gives it regardless, but I’m missing out on Jesus in my home. Jesus in my daily walk. Jesus in the ordinary every moment of every meal- not Jesus off in the distance. Jesus growing in me in my private and public life. A great relationship with Jesus isn’t something that starts after death- it’s now. Jesus wants to be in my home and in my heart. I pray that He changes me and becomes more and more apart of my life and home and yours too now and always.

Jesus sees you. He can always use your heart and your home - even if it isn't quite ready- for His glory.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Eric Oswald DCE

Written By Eric Oswald, DCE


JULY2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7 Outreach

This past weekend the national LWML held their in-person convention in Lexington, KY. If you wish to watch any of it, all sessions are streamed on lwml.org. It was a very inspiring event. Now we can get to work on donating mites as the goal for the next two years is $1,200,000.+. Hopefully our Rebekah Guild will start meeting in the next months.

The quilters are meeting at 10:00 on Monday mornings again, it is so great to be getting back together to work and visit:). We did not meet this past Monday because of the heat and won't meet on the 5 as many are observing it is a holiday. If you want to learn or like to tie quilts, please join us.

LWML AND QUILTERS

LOVE, INC BOARD INTERVIEWS This month our series of interviews with our board members continue. Next up is our Vice President, Larry Ackerman. Q: What do you appreciate about serving on the Love INC Board of Directors?

A: I began to really appreciate Love INC's approach to helping neighbors in need during my 8 years serving on the benevolence team at my local church (Hillsboro First Baptist Church). My experience serving on the Love INC Board of Directors has been very positive. It is great working with the different people from the different churches. Probably my favorite day each year is the Love INC Night of Vision, when all the churches gather together. I am really thankful for the different churches participating in Love INC of Greater Hillsboro.

http://lwml.org


JULY2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7

There are currently no scheduled Service Team Events for July. May 26th, we hosted a successful Red Cross blood drive collecting 21 units and were credited for saving up to 63 lives. Blood went to patients at Salem Health, Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, Westside Medical Center and Astria Sunnyside Hospital, among others. Thanks all who donated or volunteered. It is worth, noting that since we began hosting blood drives several years ago, we have hosted 21 drives with 655 donors and collected 584 units of blood. That represents over 1700 lives saved in Jesus’s name.

June 30th, an open house was held to officially open our “Rest Stop” space and welcome first responders. Sheriff’s deputies have been a presence in our parking lot for years; now do not be surprised to see our local men in uniform in our Community Center Sunday School office filling out

reports or having coffee. Thanks to those that donated equipment and supplies to get started, and welcome to our new guests.

We are starting to look at service and outreach opportunities for fall. Please pass along your ideas. Thanks again to all to our donors and volunteers. Praise the Lord!

Your Service Team

SERVICE TEAM NOTES

TRUSTEES: The Trustees manage the custodial responsibilities for all properties of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Among the multitude of tasks the Trustees take on as their service ministry to the church are landscaping and grounds maintenance; facilities upkeep, including minor repairs, plumbing and electrical troubleshooting; painting; building things; and just generally taking good care of our church home. They participate in decision-making about changes in the church facility, such as new and planned expansions, and assist with execution of property documents. Bethlehem members are eligible to be nominated and elected to a position as Trustee by the congregation.

INREACH SPOTLIGHT


JULY2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7 Bible Studies

Young Adult Bible Study

(Ages 18-29)

Mondays @ 6:30pm

Now In-Person! In the Youth Room

More Info:

[email protected]


JULY2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7 NEWS

Mid-Week Communion is now by appointment.


JULY2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7

BETHLEHEM BOOK CLUB

Will begin meeting again on July 8th. 11:00am | In the Inn

*The club is asking that only those who are vaccinated attend

Rest Stop Ministry

is now active!


JULY2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7

Turn this page in to the office for a sweet treat!

Name:


JULY2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7

ANNIVERSARIES

BIRTHDAYS Jul 1 Greg Geist

Jul 3 Dave Crisi

Jul 7 Axel Pfund

Jul 8 Steve Stewart

Jul 9 Joe Bernard

Jul 10 AJ Boysen

Jul 10 Joy Gehlen

Jul 11 Analise Boelter

Jul 12 Del Peterson

Jul 12 Phyllis Vantine

Jul 14 Richard Gohl

Jul 14 Ellen Heldt

Jul 15 Erline Binkerd

Jul 16 Laiva Hoffman

Jul 17 Tony Freda

Jul 17 John Loseke

Jul 17 Cary Meier

Jul 17 Joel Prusi

Jul 18 Kerry Bauer

Jul 18 Stephanie Browning

Jul 18 Samantha Dippon

Jul 20 Tori Allen

Jul 20 Ron Hoffman

Jul 23 Kaydence Arreola

Jul 24 Lisa Crisi

Jul 24 Mary Heck

Jul 26 Gary Hoops

Jul 26 Amy Rosato

Jul 26 Ouida Steindorf

Jul 27 Bob Baker

Jul 28 Austin Zimbrick

Jul 29 Nora Herinckx

Jul 30 Megan Stewart

Jul 31 Ian Isaak

Jul 31 Konrad Isaak

Jul 31 Miriam Lohmann

Jul 1 Cliff and Ellen Heldt (43)

Jul 2 Christopher and Lindsay Edison (4)

Jul 3 Daniel and Abby Loseke (6)

Jul 3 Greg and Kay Starts (29)

Jul 4 Stan and Carol Sylvester (51)

Jul 4 Jeff and Trish Trump (28)

Jul 6 Kevin and Carolynn Harding (49)

Jul 11 Terry and Naomi Beale (34)

Jul 13 Rick and JoAnna Refsland (36)

Jul 17 Charlie and Jan Schlottmann (40)

Jul 19 Willi and Miriam Lohmann (41)

Jul 21 David and Kathy Cook (42)

Jul 21 Mark and Connie Leinhos (42)

Jul 26 Ben and Kerry Bauer (18)

Jul 26 Jacob and Mary Buehler (18)

Jul 29 Mike and Pamela Schiemann (14)

Jul 31 Dave and Lisa Crisi (28)

Jul 31 Steve and Joy Gehlen (28)


JULY2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7

Bethlehem Lutheran Church & Preschool

Phone: 503.649.3380 BLCfamily.org

[email protected]

SCRIPTURE OF THE MONTH

Pastor

Youth & Children

Worship & Music

Preschool Dir.

Rev. Jeff Shearier

Eric Oswald

Kerry Bauer

Laiva Hoffman

We Worship

Live-Streamed & In-Person Sundays 8:30am & 11:00am

www.BLCfamily.org/bethlehem-online

JULY 2021, VOL. 11 NO. 7

Bethlehem Lutheran

Church & Preschool 18865 SW Johnson St. Aloha, OR 97003-3164 www.blcfamily.org

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do

not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

-Galatians 5:1-

shibboleths and civil wars of speech

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